I love my life.
I really do.
What I love most may seem boring to many, and possibly absurd to others. But still, I love everything the Lord has given me—especially the simple, daily pleasures many miss because we think we deserve any good we receive.
I love sunny days because they remind me of the warmth and awesomeness of God's grace; His face that cannot be seen by any human lest we be destroyed. I love cloudy days because they remind me of the cool covering and gentle relief of God's mercy.
I love that though my body is severely broken, weak, and in constant pain, my Father gives me the strength to get out of bed. And if that weren't good enough (which it is), because my Father is so generous in His love toward me because of Christ, I get to do other "ordinary" tasks. I get to wash laundry for my household. I get to fold clothes and put them away. I get to hem tears and sew buttons. I get to be a diligent keeper of my home with weekly dusting, sanitizing, toilet bowl cleaning, and so much more. I get to seasonally plant beautiful and aromatic flowers in my front yard to display the beauty of God's creation to all who pass by. And if the Lord provides opportunities, share the Gospel with all who linger. I get to decorate my home, simply and comfortably so that all who enter, sense God's peace abides here. I get to plan weekly menus, learn about different foods, herbs, and spices and their nutritious values so I can shop wisely to ensure my family is enjoying healthy and delicious food, while remaining a good steward of all that God has given us. I get to cook for my family and precious brothers and sisters in the Lord whom I deeply love and enjoy serving.
This may all seem dull and mundane to many, but I'm so enthralled with the awesome work of God that enables me to do all these things—they are quite exciting and joyous to my soul. Proverbs 27:7 and Matthew 6:33 are true. When you're hungry for the holiness and goodness of God to be displayed in your life, you're consumed with honoring and pleasing Him above all else. And this makes even the bitter things in this life...sweet. But when I have my moments (and I do); when selfishness creeps into every crevice of my heart and mind, because I'm full of myself, I loathe and complain about any kindness shown to me.
This is why I love that God grants me a multitude of opportunities daily, to demonstrate my immense gratitude to Him for giving me His Son, by serving and loving others in accordance with His Word. I love that I have this great freedom in Christ because I've been set free from the bondage of my sinful flesh. I no longer have to seek my own good, because I trust in His steadfast love and faithfulness to give me far better than I deserve. I trust my Father to discipline me when I stray, to rebuke me in my rebellion, and to grant me forgiveness and mercy in my repentance. I trust my Lord to bless me with His pleasure as I seek His face and to exalt His name rather seek and exalt my own. Oh what joy! Oh what incomprehensible bliss it is to know Christ and be known by Him!
Though it is nice when people are kind to me, thoughtful of my pitiful plight, and refresh my soul with altruistic fellowship; my daily joy and happiness does not depend on them or my circumstances. The fullness of my contentment is solely dependent upon the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as a good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV
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